‘Red’ weather warning issued as worst of storms arrives

The ‘red’ weather warning is the first of its kind this winter from the Met Office (Picture: PA/Met Office)

A ‘red’ weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as parts of the UK prepare to be hit by winds of up to 100mph.

West Wales and north-west England are battening down the hatches ahead of gusts of between 80 and 100mph, while large waves could affect other coastal areas.

Yesterday the prime minister warned the worst of the weather was yet to arrive, and 70mm (2.75in) of rain is forecast in the West Country by Friday – more than the region would normally receive in the whole month.